The Most Important Exercise Equipment for Your Strength Training Needs
Strength training is becoming one of the more popular exercise styles. Not only can you burn calories and lose weight, you can sculpt those bags and sags into a lean machine. You probably have seen several different high-priced work out machines on the television or online. But you can get a great starting workout in your own home with some basic equipment.
In order to make the most of your strength-training workout, you constantly need to be able to increase the weights that you are working with. It is also helpful to be able to do many different exercises to work different muscle groups. To do this, it is helpful to have a variety of equipment in different weights at home. That way, you can exercise at a time that is convenient for you, but still get the same great workout you would if you were going to the local gym.
The first thing to look for is a good dumbbell set. You don’t need a lot of them to begin with, just in enough sizes for you to get a good workout. The come in a variety of sizes – anywhere from one pound up to 100 pounds. You will need two in each size – one for each arm. These come in a variety of styles from plain metal to brightly colored rubber so you can find the perfect look for you. Start with a lighter one that offers only minimal resistance – for most people a five-pound weight is a perfect beginning weight. Also get the next couple of sizes up so as your strength improves you can also increase the weight. If you are on a tight budget, wait to buy the really heavy ones until you are actually close to needing them. A second option is to get a barbell-style dumbbell that allows you to add and subtract disc-style weights to meet your needs.
The second thing to look for is a barbell set. This will give you some variety in your workout by allowing you to perform different exercises, as well as allow you to lift heavier weights. You will need a bar and a variety of the disc-shaped weights, as well as clips to help hold weights in place. The weights vary in size from just over a pound to over 50 pounds, and again you could purchase the sizes that best fit your workout. It may be helpful to purchase a stand for it as well, especially if you plan on using heavier weights for bench pressing or squats. That way you have a place to set it if you get tired mid-workout, and it also works well for storage.
A third item to consider is a weight bench. They come in a variety of styles from ones to lay flat only to those that adjust. One that is adjustable will be able to fill more needs though will be somewhat more expensive. Another option for the budget-minded is to get a large step that includes risers to adjust the height. In doing so you can place more risers on one end or the other to make an incline or decline bench as needed. It can also double as a step-aerobic tool if you pair your strength training with cardiovascular exercise.
To protect your hands, a fourth item to consider is weight-lifting gloves. You can find them in different finger lengths to fit you comfortably. Gloves will help keep weights from slipping, as well as protect your hands from getting calluses. Look for gloves that are made of breathable fabric that allows your hands to breathe. Gloves can be found at any sporting goods store.
If you travel or just do not have a lot of space at home, resistance bands might be another ideal purchase for you. Small enough to store at home or in your suitcase, they can be used for a variety of workouts. They also offer a different resistance than your standard free weights, which can give you some variety on your off days or when you feel you are hitting a plateau in your workout.
With a small variety of equipment, you will be ready to start your strength-training workout from the comfort of your own home in no time.
Tags: fitness equipment, strength training, weights, workout